Turkey: Security forces kill three militants in Şırnak April 8

Event

Turkish security forces continue to carry out operations targeting suspected Kurdish militants in eastern parts of the country. On Sunday, April 8, authorities reported that at least three Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters were killed during an operation in the Mount Judi area of Şırnak province. In addition, according to the Ministry of the Interior, at least 43 suspected terrorists were killed, captured, or surrendered to the authorities between April 2 and April 9. During the same period, security forces conducted 1502 counterterrorism operations in eastern provinces of the country, seizing explosives, weapons, and ammunition.

Context

Turkey has faced a Kurdish insurgency since 1984, spearheaded by the PKK, which was renewed in 2015 following the dissolution of a ceasefire. Tensions between the Turkish state and Kurdish populations have intensified further since the launch of Operation Olive Branch, a Turkish offensive against Kurdish groups in Syria, on January 20, 2018.

The conflict has left over 40,000 people dead since 1984 and associated violence continues to pose a significant security risk in southeastern Turkey.

Advice

Individuals in Şırnak province are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Due to the Turkish government's ongoing conflicts with the PKK as well as the Islamic State (IS), some Western governments advise against travel to areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders, as well as nonessential travel to the provinces of Şırnak, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Kilis, Hatay, Siirt, Tunceli, and Hakkâri.